Providence Local News

RI Gov. calls on Congress to resolve impasse

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — RhodeIsland's governor is calling on Congress to resolve the impasse that has shut down the federal government, saying the state's economic recovery could be set back.

Democratic Gov. Lincoln Chafee says in a statement issued Tuesday that RhodeIsland and the nation cannot afford the shutdown. He says federal lawmakers should work together to bring the standoff to a "swift conclusion."

Chafee says it's important that government services be available for individuals and businesses as the economy slowly rebounds.

Chafee served in the U.S. Senate as a Republican. He was elected governor as an independent before joining the Democratic Party earlier this year.